7-carbo-lower-alkoxy-3-methyl-2, 4, 6-octatrien-1-ylidene-triphenylphosphorane



United States Patent 3,113,951 7-CARBQ-LGWR-ALKQXY-3-METHYL-Z,4,6- @KCTATREN ll YLHDENE TREPHENYL- PHQSPBGRANE Waldemar Guex, Eottniingen, Utto isler, Basel, Rudolf Riiegg, Eottrningen, and Gettiieb Ryser, Easel, Switzen land, assignors to Hoiirnann-La Roche Inc, Nutley,

NJL, a corporation oi New .Yersey No Drawing. @riginal application Nov. 24, N58, fi er.

No. 775,694, new Patent No. 3,914,952. Divided and this application Nov. 3, 1951, Ser. No. 149,843

Claims priority, application Eiwitzerland Nov. 27, E57

2 Claims. (Cl. 260-469) This invention relates to polyenecarboxylic acids and esters and to a method for synthesizing such compounds. More particularly, the polyenecarboxylic acids and esters of this invention are novel acids and esters having a carotenoid structure.

The novel polyenecarboxylic acids and esters of this invention fall into two subgroups. Gne subgroup contains a conjugated system of carbon to carbon multiple bonds, all of which are double bonds. These compounds may be represented by the structural formula ice 3,il.3,%il Patented Dec. Mi, 19 63 2 wherein:

it represents an integer from 0 to 3 and k represents an integer from 0 to 1,

5 with a triarylphosphorane selected from the group con 5-carbalkoxy-l-methyl-2A-hexadien 1 ylidene triarylphosphorane and 7-cairbalkoxy-3-methyl-2,4,6 octatrien-lylidene-triaryl-phosphorane, and decomposing, eg. by heating, the adduct formed as a product of the condensation reaction. The ester thus formed may be converted 5 to the acid by saponification.

The phosphoranes are derived from the corresponding triaryl-phosphonium halides by splitting out hydrogen halide. Thus the phosphoranes enumerated above are derived from carbalkoxymethyl-triaryl-phosphonium ha lide, a carballeoxyethyl triaryl phosphonium halide,

3 carbalkoxy 2 buten-l-yl-triaryl-phosphonium halide, 5 carbalkoxy 3 -methyl 2,4 pentadien 1 yl tri- 0 Hz (11) wherein: R represents hydrogen or alkyl, c represents an integer from O to 3 and d represents an integer from O to 1, the sum of c and d 59 being 1 to 3.

A method of synthesizing compounds of the type illustrated above is also a feature of this invention. In its broad aspects, this method comprises condensing an aldehyde having the Formula III or IV below CH3 C113 up to about 18 carbon atoms.

hexadien-1-yl-tniaryl-phosphonium halide and 7-carbalkoxy-3-methyl-2,4,6-octatrien-1-yl-triaryl-phosphonium halide, respectively.

It is generaliy advantageous to form the phosphorane 35 in situ and to add the aldehyde directly to the reaction mixture in which the desired phosphorane was produced. Consequently, a preferred method of operating the process of this invention comprises treating a triaryl-phosphonium halide so as to remove halogen halide, as described below in greater detail, and reacting an aldehyde of the class described with the product.

The alkyl groups represented by R and R in Formulae I and H above, respectively, are straight chain and branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, amyl,

eXyl, cetyl, lauryl, octadecyl and the like, preferably Lower alkyl groups such CH: C I13 Hi wherein: 7 represents an integer from O to 3 and g represents an integer from 0 to 1,

CH3 CH3 C CH3 CH3 as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, amyl, etc. are most preferred. The aryl groups in the triarylphosphoranes listed above include such radicals as H5 (IV) 3,113,961 3 4 V phenyl, lower alkylphenyl, wherein the lower alkyl group is efiected by refluxing the reaction mixture for several is, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl md the h r like, and lower xyp nyl, wh r the lower alkOXY The esters obtained as described above may be congrOllP for 67431111316, Y, y, P P Y, Verted to the correspond'mg acid by saponification, With propoxy and the like. Phenyl is the preferred aryl gr p. 5 a base, e.g., with alkali metal hydroxide. Preferably this The term carbalkoxy in the triaryl-phosphoranes refers is efiected by dissolving the ester in an inert organic to the radical solvent, ether, for example, and treating it with an alcoholic solution of alkali metal hydroxide, methanolic sodium hydroxide solution, for example, at roomtemperawherein R2 has the same significance as R and R1 ture in an 1nert atmosphere, e.g., under nitrogen. cepting hydrogen) as illustrated above. The halides are If an aldehyde of Formula IV or Folmula F chloride, bromide iodide and fluoride to prepare the ester, the product also contains a triple According to a particularly prefell-l-ed embodiment of bond. This triple bond may be selectively hydrogenated the invention, a triaryl-phosphonium halide represented m a double bond, if desired suspending the ester in by the formula 15 an inert organic solvent such as ethyl acetate, toluene,

X B5 R O petroleum ether, etc. and hydrogenating under normal 1 conditions in the presence of a selective hydrogenation F catalyst, for example, a lead-palladium catalyst in the presenceof quinoline [Helv. Chim.Acta, 35, 446 (1952)]. Wherem' Hydrogenation of a compound containing a triple bond X represents a halogen atom, generally results in a polyene compound having the cisn represents an integer from 0 to 3, configuration about the carbon atoms formerly joined by R3 represents y if n represents 3 P the triple bond. This cis-compound may be converted Semis y g or y and 4 fepTesents aliemately, to the corresponding all-trans compound by isomerization, beginnlflg With y methyl hydrogen for example, by heating at a temperature up to about is converted to the corresponding phosphorane'the latter reflux IemPeF-amfe. T (IE-Compounds all-trans is condensed with an aldehyde having the Formula VI or Compounds are all Within the scope of this invention. 11 below The triaryl-phosphonium halides may be produced by CH3 CH3 \G/ CH: $Ha lls nio (?CH=CH( =CHCH=CHO=CHOH=CH-(OH=C)mGHO Hi0 CCHs CH CH3 0 CH: OH: 12.

(VII) wherein, in each of Formula VI and VII, R represents condensing the appropriate halogenated ester, e.g., a-haloalternately, beginning with methyl, methyl or hydrogen acetic acid alkyl ester, a-halopropionic acid alkyl ester, and m, if R in Formula V represents methyl, rep-resents 'y-halotiglic acid alkyl ester, with a triaryl-phosphine,

2,4 or 6, and if R in Formula V represents hydrogen, e.g. triphenyl-phosphine, in an inert solvent such as m represents 1, 3 or 5', the sum of n and m not exceedbenzene.

ing 6, The conversion of the triaryl-phosphonium halide to the triaryl-phosphorane by splitting out h dro en halide nd the adduct formed is s lit ureferabl by Warming. g

l'he ester thus obtained rri ay b2 onverted to the corremay b effected by Treating the former l metallo sponding acid by saponification. If the ester obtained q i compound for eiiample phenyl hthmm or bu'tyl contains a triple bond it may be selectively reduced by lith um, or with an alkali metal alcoholate, for example,

catalytic hydrogenation to a double bond and the hydromethyliate' referably {the dehydrohalogenanon genation product isomerized. It will be appreciated is earned out f Inert mgamc solYent 8.11011 as ether that the preferred area of applicants invention relates to alcohol or especlauy methylene chlonde the exchl com ounds havin the carotenoid structure. sion of oxygen Tlfe condensatign of the triarylsphosphorane with the i the maryl'pnosphgmum i aldehyde is advantageously effected in an inert solvent treatfad agueous alkah as dlsclosed cependmg such as ether, Petroleum ether benzeng, methylene application Senal No. 741,990, filed June 16, 1958, by chloride, dioxrane, tetrahydrofuran and the like. Methyl- Tg igi g 2,912,467- ene chloride is preferred. Equrimolecular proportions of e a e y es 0 i Y be prpduced l q the two reactants or an excess of the phosphorane are 5 the method descnbefi m copendmg apphcatlon used. The reaction takes place upon admixing the reactg filed Ocvober 1 5 by 15161 ants at room temperature. Preferably, air is displaced at now fbandoned, and aPPhcatlon Serlal by an inert gas such as nitrogen. 767,272, filed October 15, 1958, by O. Isler et al., now

The condensation product of the reaction between the Patent 2,970,174 The aldehydes of Folmula HI triaryl-phosphorane and the aldehyde gradually decommay F lccordig the methQd described in V poses at room temperature into the desired polyeneoopendlng 'appllcatlofl Seflal l to r carboxylic acid ester and the triarybpho'sphhie oxide cor- 1958, by et and now abandoned, and

responding to the phosphorane. Heating accelerates the application Serial No. 767,272., filed October 15, 1958, decomposition. Preferably decomposition of the adduct by O. Isler et al., now Patent No. 2,970,174.

added until crystallization began.

The compounds of this invention are stable yellow, red or violet colored compounds which are useful as coloring agents for foodstuffs. They are also useful as additives to poultry feeds for heightening the color of egg yolk, skin, shank, meat and fatty tissue. The compounds having no triple bond also have vitamin A activity.

This application is a division of our copending US. patent application Serial No. 775,694, filed November 24, 1958, now US. Patent 3,014,052.

The following examples are illustrative of the invention. All temperatures are stated in degrees centigrade.

Example 1 65.6 g. of triphenyl-earbomethoxymethyl-phosphonium bromide in 300 ml. of dry methylene chloride were treated with 75 ml. of 2 N sodium methylate, in methanol solution in a nitrogen atmosphere with stirring. After 30 minutes, a solution of 44.6 g. 2,7,11-trimethyl-l3-(2,6,6- trimethyl l .cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,68,10,12 tridecapentaen-4-yn-l-al in 300 ml. of methylene chloride were dropped in over a period of 5 minutes. The mixture was refluxed for 5 hours. The mixture was then filtered. The methylene chloride solution was washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and then filtered through a column containing 200 g. of aluminum oxide (activity state I deactivated with 4% water). The solution was concentrated and then methanol was slowly 4,9, l3-trimethyl-15- (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,8,10,12,14- pentadecahexaen6-yn-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester was obtained in the form of orange crystals, Ml. 114416"; absorption maximum at 407 mu; E =l850 (in petroleum ether). 1

10 g. of 4,9,13-trimethyl--(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,8,l0,12,14 pentadecahexaen 6 ynl-carboxylic acid methyl ester were suspended in 100 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 80-105) with 1 g. of lead poisoned palladium-calcium carbonate catalyst and 0.3 ml. of quinoline and agitated in a hydrogen atmosphere at until 900 ml. of hydrogen were absorbed. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under high vacuum. The residue was agitated with 50 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 40-45). The product, 6,7-mono-cis-4,9,13-trimethyl-15- (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen l yl) 2,4,6,8,10, 12,l4-pentadecaheptaen-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was obtained by filtration as a fine crystalline powder, MP. 103-105 absorption maxima at 305 and 424 mu; E =790 and 1710 (in petroleum ether).

7.5 g. of the cis-compound obtained above in 40 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 80-105) were refiuxed for 8 hours in a carbon dioxide atmosphere and then cooled to 0 and the solvent was filtered off. The product, all trans-4,9,l3-trimethyl-15-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1- cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,12,1 pentadecaheptaenl-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was obtained in the form or orange-red crystals, MP. 129130; absorption maximum at 426 mu; E =2355 with a shoulder at 445 mg (in petroleum ether).

1 g. of the ester obtained above was saponified by stirring with 200 ml. of a 10% methanolic potassium hydroxyde solution and 200 ml. of ether in a nitrogen atmosphere at 20 for 2 days. The mixture was then diluted with water and extracted with ether. The aqueous solution was acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid and the product was filtered oil. The all-trans-4,9,13 trimethyl l5 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 :cyclohexen 1- yl) 2,4,6,8,10,12,14 pentadecaheptaen 1 carboxylic acid was recrystallized from benzene, MP. 186-187; U.V. absorption maximum at 430 mu; E =2235 (in petroleum ether).

Example 2 Dilute sodium hydroxide solution was dropped into 70 g. of triphenyl-carbomethoxymethyl-phosphonium bromide in 1500 mi. of cold water with stirring until alkaline to phenolphthalein. The precipitate was filtered oii, dried and recrystallized from ethyl acetate-petroleum ether. The colorless prisms of carbomethoxymethylene-triphenylphosphorane melted at 162163.

A solution of 44.6 g. 2,7,11-trimethyl-l3-(2,6,6-trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,6,55,10,12 tridecapentaen-4-yn-1-al in 300 ml. of ethylene chloride were added over a period or" 5 minutes with stirring to 5 3 g. of carbomethoxymethyiene-triphenylphosphorane in 300 ml. of dry methylene chloride in a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was worked up as described in Example 1 to obtain 4,9,13'triinethyl-15-(2,6,6-trirnethyl-1- cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,8,10,12,14 pentadecahexaen- G-yn-l-carboxylia acid methyl ester in the form of orangered crystals, MP. 1141l60.

Example 3 52 ml. of 2 N sodium methylate in methanol solution were added to 54 g. of triphenyl-(u-carbomethoxyethyl)- phosphonium bromide in 300 ml. of dry methylene chloride in a nitrogen atmophere with stirring. After 30 minutes, 19.6 g. of 4,9,13-trimethyl-l5-(2,6,6-trimethyl- 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,8,10,12,14 pentadecahexaen- 6-yn-1-a1 in 200 ml. of methylene chloride were added over a period of 5 minutes and the mixture was then re i'luxed for 6 hours. The mixture was filtered and the methylene chloride solution was worked up as described in Example 1. The product, 2,6,11,15-tetramethyl-17- (2,6,6 trirnethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,10,12, 14,16-heptadecaheptaen-8-yn-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was obtained in the form of orange-red crystals, Ml 11511'7; absorption maximum at 423 mu; E =1950, with a shoulder at 445 m t (in petroleum ether).

10 g. of 2,6,11,15-tetramethyl-17-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1- cyclohexen l yl) 2,4,6,10,12,l4,l6 heptadecaheptaen-S-yn-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester were suspended in ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 80-105) with 1.5 g. of lead poisoned palladium-calcium carbonate catalyst and 0 .2 ml. of quinoline and agitated in a hydrogen atmosphere at 20 until about 650 ml. of hydrogen were absorbed. The hydrogenation product partially crystallized out. The product was separated by filtering off the catalyst and dissolving in methylene chloride. The methylene chloride solution was evaporated at room temperature under Water vacuum. The residue was dissolved methylene chloride and petroleum ether was added at 20. The product, 8,9-rnono-cis-2,6,11,15- tetramethyl 17 (2,6,6 trimethyl l cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,l2,14,16 heptadecaoctaen 1 carboxylic acid methyl ester, melted at 131433"; absorption maxima at 324 and 443 mu; E =1040 and. 1780, with a shoulder at 465 my (in petroleum ether).

7.4 g. of the cis-compound obtained above in 40 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 80-105") were refluxed for 5 hours in a carbon dioxide atmosphere and then cooled to 0. The product, all-trans-2,6,l1,l5- tetramethyl 17 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16 heptadecaoctaen 1 carboxyllc acid methyl ester, was filtered oil in the form of red crystals, MP. 136l37; absorption maxirna at 445 and 471 mu, E =2575 and 2160 (in petroleum ether).

1.1 g. of the ester obtained above was saponilied by stirring in 300 ml. of ether with 300- ml. of 10% methanolic potassium hydroxide solution for 2 days at 20 in a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was then diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether solution was filtered and the precipitate was added to water, acidified with dilute hydr chloric acid and filtered. The product, all-trans 2,6,11,15 tetramethyl 17-(2,6,6-trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16 heptadecaoctaen-l-carboxylic acid, was recrystallized from benzene, MP. 189-190; absorption maximum at 448 my; E =2515, With a shoulder at 472 m (in'petroleum ether).

Example 4 were added over a period of 5 minutes with stirring in a nitrogen atmosphere to 47 g. of a-carbomethoxy-ethylidene-triphenylphosphorane in 300 ml. of dry methylene chloride. The product, 2,6,11,l5-tetramethyl-17-(2,6,6- trimethyl 1 cyclohexen l yl) 2,4,6,l0,12,l4,16 heptadeCahe taen-S-yn-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester was worked up by the procedure described in Example 3 and obtained in the form of orange-red crystals.

Example 5 12.4 g. of triphenylacarbomethoxymethyl-phosphoniurn bromide in 60 ml. of dry methylene chloride were treated with 14.1 ml. of 2 N sodium methylate in methanol solution according to the procedure in Example 1. g. of 2,6,1l,IS-tetramethyl-17-(2,6,6trimethyl-lcyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,1(),12,14,16 heptadecaheptaen-8-yn-1-al in 60 ml. of methylene chloride were added to the phosphorane obtained as described in Example 1 and the product was Worked up according to the procedure in the same example. 4,8,13,17-tetramethyl- 19 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6, -8, 12, 14,16,18 nonadecaoctaen l0-yn-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester was obtained in the form of bronze colored crystals, M.P. 153-154; absorption maxirna at 439 and 464 mu; E =2110 and 1670 (in petroleum ether).

8 g. of 4,8,13,17 tetramethyl 19-(2,6,6-trimethyl-lcyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,12,14,16,18 nonadecaoctaen-lO-yn-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester suspended in 40 ml. of toluene and 100 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 80405) with 1 g. of lead poisoned palladium calcium carbonate catalyst and 0.3 ml. of quinoline were agitated in a hydrogen atmosphere at 20 until about 500 ml. of hydrogen were absorbed. The solution was permitted to stand overnight at 0, then filtered. The product was separated from the catalyst by dissolving in methylene chloride, filtering and evaporating the solvent. The 10,11 mono cis 4,8,13,17 tetramethyl 19 (2,6, 6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,12,14, 16,l'8-nonadecanonaen-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester was recrystallized from methylene chloride-petroleum ether, MP. 138-140; absorption maxima at 342 and 461 m E l305 and 1805, with a shoulder at 481 mm (in petroleum ether).

7 g. of the cis-compound obtained above in 40 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 80-105 Were refluxed for 7 hours in a carbon dioxide atmosphere. 70 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 40-45") were added and the mixture was permitted to stand overnight at O". The product, all-trans 4,8,13,17 tetramethyl 19-(2,6,6-trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16, 18-nonadecanonaeen-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was obtained after filtration and was recrystallized from petroleum ether (boiling range 80-105") in the form of red-violet crystals, MP. 145-147; absorption maxima at 464 and 491 m E =2570 and 1975 (in petroleum ether).

1.5 g. of the ester obtained above was saponified by stirring in 700 ml. of ether and 350 m1. of a 10% methano-lic potassium hydroxide solution for 2 days at 20 in a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was diluted with Water and extracted with ether. The ether solution was filtered and the filter residue was added to water,

8 acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid and filtered. The all-trans-4,8,13,l7-tetramethyl-19-(2,6,6 trirnethyl-l-cyclohexen-l-yl)-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18-nonadecanonaen 1- carboxylic acid was recrystallized from benzene, MP. 190-191; absorption maxima at 458 and 495 my; 23 :2495 and 1990 (in petroleum ether).

Example 6 21.5 g. of triphenyl-(ct-carbemethoxyethyl)-phosphonium bromide in 120 ml. of dry methylene chloride was treated first with 21 ml. of 2 -N sodium methylate in methanol solution and then with 9.2 g. of 4,8,13,17- tetramethyl-19 (2,6,6-trimethyl-l-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8,12, 14,16,18-nonadecaoctaen-10-yn-l-al in ml. of methyl one chloride according to the procedure described in Example 3. The product was worked up also as described in that example. The product, 2,6,10,15,19- pentamethyl 21-(2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen-1-yl)- 2,4,6,8,10,14,16,18,20-heneicosanonaen-12-yn-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was obtained in the form or" copper colored crystals, MP. 161-165; absorption maxima at 450 and 479 11151.; E =2320 and 1820 (in petroleum ether).

9.5 g. of 2,6,10,15,19-pentamethyl-21-(2,6,6-trimethyl- 1 cyclonexen 1-yl)-2,4,6,8,10,14,16,18,20 heneicosanonacn-lZ-yn-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester suspended in ml. of toluene with 1 g. of lead poisoned palladiumcalcium carbonate catalyst and 0.3 ml. of quinoline were agitated in a hydrogen atmosphere at 20 until about 500 ml. of hydrogen were absorbed. 200 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 4045 were added and the mixture was permitted to stand for 24 hours in the refrigerator.

The mixture was filtered and the product was separated from the catalyst by dissolving in methylene chloride, filtering and evaporating the solvent. mono cis 2,6,10,15,19-pentarnethyl-21-(2,6,6-trimethyl- 1 cycloheXen1-yl)-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20-heneicosadecaen-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was recrystallized by dissolving in methylene chloride and adding petroleum ether in the form of gray-violet crystals, M;P. 133; absorption maxima at 361, 472 and 500 m 23 :1435, 1895 and 1430 :(in petroleum ether).

7.5 g. of the cis-compound obtained above in 80 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 80105) were refluxed overnight in a carbon dioxide atmosphere, then permitted to stand for 12 hours at 0. The solvent was filtered oh and the solid product, all-trans-2,6,10,15,19-pentamethyl-2l-(2,6,6-trimethyl-l-cyclohexen 1 yl)-2,4,6,8, 10,l2,14,16,18,20-heneicosadecaen 1 carboxylic acid methyl ester recrystallized from petroleum ether (boiling range 80-105) in the form of violet crystals, M.P. 141; absorption maxima at 476 and 505 m 15 :2630 and 1790, with a shoulder at 455 me (in petroleum ether).

1.5 g. of the ester obtained above was saponified by stirring in 70 ml. of ether and 350 ml. of a 10% methanolic pitassium hydroxide solution for 2 days at 20 in a nitrogen atmosphere. The product, all trans- 2,6,10,15,19 pentarnethyl 21-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cycl0- hex-en-l-yl)-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20-heneicosadecaen 1- carboxylic acid, was Worked up according to the procedure described in Example 5 and recrystallized from benzene, MP. 192-193; absorption maxima at 479 and 507 rn r; E =2500 and 1990 (in petroleum ether).

Example 7 p 7.7 g. of triphenylcarbomethoxymethyl-phosphonium bromide in 40 ml. of dry methylene chloride were treated first with 8.8 ml. of 2 N sodium methylate in methanol solution and then with 7.2 g. 2,6,10,15,19-pentamethyl- 21-(2,6,6=trimethyl-1-cyclohexen 1-yl)-2,4,6,8,10,14,16, 18,20-heneicosanonaen-12-yn-l-al in 100 ml. of methylene chloride by the procedure described in Example 1. The product was worked up also as described in the same example. The product, 4,8,12,17,2l-pentamethyl-23- The product, 12,13-

9 (2,6,6 trimethyl-l-cyclohexen-l-yl)-2,4,6,8,l0,12,16,18, 20,22-tricosadecaen-l4--yn-l-carboXyl'c acid methyl ester, was obtained as copper colored crystals, MP. 131-182; absorption maxima at 4-63 and 492 mu; 15 :2470 and 1870 (in petroleum ether).

5.5 \g. of the ester obtained above suspended in 156 ml. of toluene with l g. of -ead poisoned palladium-calcium carbonate catal st and 1.3 ml. of quinoline were agitated in a hydr atmostahere at 29, then worked up according to the procedure described in Example 5. The product, 14,15mono-cis4,8,12,17,2l-pentamethyl- 23-(2,6,6 trimethyhl-cycloheXen-1-y-l)-2,4,6,8,l0,1.2,l4, l6,l8,20,22-tricsaundecaen-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester, showed absorption maxima at 380, 487 and 516 my; 13 :1175, 2100 and 1555. Upon recrystallization, the compound partially changed into the all-trans form. In order to complete the isomerization, product was refiuxed in 100 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 8() 105) for 6 hours in a carbon dioxide atmosphere, then worked up as described in 3. The all-trans-4,8, 12,17,21-oentamethyl 23(2,6,6-trimethyl-lcyclohexenl-yl)-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,l6,18,20,22-tricosaundecaen l-carboxylic acid methyl ester was obtained as dark violet crystals, MP. 165-166"; absorption :maxirna at 4-88 and 520 111/2; E :285 and 2240, with a shoulder at 468 me (in petroleum other).

1.1 g. of the ester obtained above was saponified in 700 ml. of ether and 350 ml. of a 16% methanolic aotassium hydroxide solution and worked up as descrihed in Example 5. All-trans-4,8,12,17,21-pentainethyl-23- (2,6,6-trimethyl-l-cyclohexcn l-yl)2,4,6,8,lt),12,14,16, 18,20,22-tricosaundeceen-l-csrboxylic acid was recrystallized from toluene in the form or" a red, fine crystalline powder, 201-293; absorption m 'ima at 492 520 m E 2485 and 1925 (in petroleum ether).

Example 8 10.7 g. of triphenyl (a carbomethoxyethyl) phosph'onium bromide in 60 ml. of dry methylene chloride were first treated with 1825 ml. of a 2 N solution of sodium inethylate in methanol and then with g. of 4,8,- 12,17 pentamethyl 23 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cycloheXen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,12,16,18,20,22 tricosudccaen- 14-yn-1-al in 60 ml. of methylene chloride and worked up according to the procedure of Example 3. The product, 2,6,10,14,.l9,23-hexamethyl-25-(2,6,6-trimethyl-l-cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4-,6,8,10,l2,14,l8,2(),22,24 pentacosaundeoaen-l6-yn-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was recrystallized from toluene-petroieurn ether, Ml. 187- 188; absorption at 473 and 502 TIT/1.; E =2720 and 2120, with a shoulder at 455 m i (in petroleum ether).

2.8 of the ester obtained above were suspended in 100 ml. of toluene with 1.5 g. of lead poisoned palladium-calcium carbonate catalyst and 0.3 ml. of quinoline and agitated in a hydrogen atmosphere at until the absorption of hydrogen ceased. The catalyst was separated by filtration and the toluene was evaporated from the filtrate at room tempeeature under high vacuum. The crude 16,17 mono cis 2,6,10,14,19,23-hexamethyl (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen l yl)- 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20,22,24 pentacosadodecaen 1- carboxylic acid methyl ester [absorption maxima at 392, 495 and 526 mil with a shoulder at 474 mu (in petroleum ether)] thus obtained was boiled overnight in 100 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 80105 in a carbon dioxide atmospiere, then permitted to stand at 6 for 12 hours and filtered. The product, all-trans-2,6,10,14,- 19,23 hexamethyl 25 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20,22,24 pentacosadodecaen-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was recrystallized from toluene-petroleum ether, M.P. 176177; absorption maxima at 497 and 529 my; E =295O and 235 O, with a shoulder at 475 m (in petroleum ether).

.1 g. of the ester obtained above was saponified in 780 m1. of ether and 350 ml. of 10% methanolic potassium hydroxide solution and worked up according to the pro cedure of Example 5. The all-trans-2,6,10,14,19,23-hexamethyl 25 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl)- 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,2G,22,24 pentacosadodecaen 1- carbonylic acid was recrystallized from toluene in the form of a dark violet fine, crystalline powder, MP. 210- 212; absorption maximum at 507 m with a shoulder :at 535 m (in petroleum ether).

Example 9 A solution of 5 g. of 4,8,12,17,21-pentamethyl-23- (2,6,6 trimethyl -11 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,- 12,16,18,20,22-tricosadecaen-14-yn-l-al in ml. of methylene chloride was added over a peniod of 5 minutes with stirring to 9 g. of triphenyl-(a-carbomethoxyethylidene)-phosphorane in 50 ml. of dry methylene chloride. The mixture was worked up as described in Example 8 to obtain 2,6,10,14,19,23-heXamethyl-25-(2,6,6-trirnethy1- 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,18,20,22,24- pentacosaundecaen-16-yn-l-oarboxylic acid methyl ester in the form of dark violet crystals.

Example 10 In a vessel titted with a calcium chloride tube 131 g. of triphenylphosphine were dissolved in 600 ml. of dry benzene, while stirring. Within 30 minutes 95 g. of 'y bromotiglic acid methyl ester were added dropwise. The temperature rose to 3035 A viscous side-product precinitate-d often a few minutes and the solution was separated by decantation. 3-carbomethoxy-2-buten-l-yl-triphenyl-phospho-n-ium bromide began to crystallize and the solution was stirred overnight at room temperature. Then the product was filtrated by suction, washed consecutively with benzene and with petroleum ether (boiling range 40-60"). The phosphonium bromide was obtained as nearly colorless crystals which were dried in vacuo (10 mm. Hg)

36 g. of 3-oarbornethoxy-2-but n-1-y1l-triphenylph0sphonium bromide in 150 ml. of dry methylene chloride were treated first with 37.5 ml. of a 2 :N solution of sodimethylate in methanol, then with 22.3 g. of 2,7,11- tnimethyl 13 (2,6,6 trirmethyl 1 cycl'ohexen 1- y1)-2,6,8,l0,12-tridccapentaen-4-yn-l-al in 150 ml. of methylene chloride and worked up according to the procedure described in Example 1. The product 2,6,11,15- tetramethy-l 17 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1- yl) 2,4,6,1{),l2,l4,l6 heptadecaheptaen 8 yn 1- carboxylic acid methyl ester, was recrystallized from etroleum ether (boiling range 80-105") in. the form of orange crystals and was identical with the compound obtained in Example 3.

Example 11 7.5 g. of lithium were dissolved in 1000 ml. of liquid ammonia and acetylene was bubbled through the solution. Within 30 minutes a solution of 140 g. of fl-ace=tylacrylic acid methyl ester in 500 ml. absolute diethyl ether was added dropwise. One half of the ammonia was allowed to evaporate and 70 g. or" ammonium chloride were added. Then the solution was diluted with 250 of absolute ether and hydrolysed with 400 ml. of a saturated ammonium chloride solution. The ether layer was dried with sodium sulfate and the solvent was driven off. The sirupy residue was dissolved in 300 ml. of ethyl acetate and hydrogenated in the presence of 2 g. of Liindlar catalyst. There was obtained 1-carbonrethoXy-3-met1hyl- 3-hydroxy-1,4-pentadiene of 13.1. 7075/ 0.03 mm.; n =1.4672. This compound was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with phosphorus tribromide to form 5 carbomethoxy 3 methyl 2,4 pentadien 1 ylbromide; n =l.53 85. 19.5 g. of this bromide was dissolved in m1. of benzene. While agitating until complete dissolution 24 g. of triphenyl phosphine were added. The mixture was allowed to stand overnight. Then, the

l. 1 crystals were collected by filtration, washed with benzone and with petroleum ether (boiling range 4050) and dried in vacuo at 50. There was obtained -oarbomethoxy 3 methyl 2,4 pentadien 1 yl triphenylphosphonium bromide.

g. of 5-carbornethoxy-3-methyl-2,4-pentadien-l-yltriphenyl-phosphonium bromide in 100 ml. of dry methylene chloride were treated first with 10 ml. of a 2 N solution of sodium methylate in methanol and then with 3 g. of 2,6,11,15-tetramethyl-17-(2,6,6-trimethyl-l-cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,10,12,14,16 heptadecaheptaen 8- yl-l-al in 60 ml. of methylene chloride and worked up according to the procedure of Example 3. The product, 4,8,12,17,21 pentamethyl 23 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1- cyclohexen 1 yl 2,468,10,12,16,18,20,22-tricosadeca en-l4-yn-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was obtained in the form of copper colored crystals identical with the product obtained in Example 7.

Example 12 7.5 g. of lithium were dissolved in 1000 ml. of liquid ammonia and acetylene was bubbled through the solution. Within 30 minutes a solution of 140 g. of fi-acetylacrylic acid ethyl ester in 500 ml. absolute diethyl ether was added dropwise. One half of the ammonia was allowed to evaporate and 70 g. of ammonium chloride were added. Then the solution was diluted with 250 m1. of absolute diethyl ether and hydrolysed with 400 ml. of a saturated ammonium chloride solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with diethyl other, the ether extracts collected, washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution, dried With sodium sulfate, filtrated and then concentrated to dryness. There were obtained 135 g. of l-carbethoxy-3- methyl-1-pentaen-4-yn-3-ol of n :1.4710. 168 g. of the acetylenic carbinol were mixed with 168 ml. of dihydropyrane. 2 ml. of 84% phosphoric acid were added while stirring. The temperature of the solution is kept within and and stored overnight at room temperature. The mixture is extracted with 300 ml. of diethyl ether and the extract washed to neutral reaction with a mixture of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate solution, then dried with sodium sulfate, filtrated, concentrated and distilled in a Vigreuxcolumn. There were obtained 200 g. of l3-tetrahydropyranyl ether of RP. 8590/0.05 mm. 252 g. of this product were hydrogenated in 500 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range -60") in the presence of 3 g. of Lindlar catalyst. There were obtained 250 g. of 1-carbethoxy-3-methyl-3- tetrahydropyranyloxy 1,4 pentadiene; n =1.4700. This product was poured into 2000 ml. of dry diethyl ether and a solution of 38 g. of lithium aluminum hydride in 500 ml. of diethyl ether was added dropwise at a temperature of -20 to 10. 500 ml. of water were added the mixture dissolved in 1000 ml. of 18% aqueous acetic acid. The aqueous layer was extracted with 250 ml. of ether, the ether extract washed neutral with sodium bicarbonate solution, dried with sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated. There were obtained 210 g. of 4 methyl 4 tetra hydropyranyloxy 2,5 hexadien- 1-01; n =1'.4820; 13.1 90/0.05 mm. 1000 g. of manganese dioxide were suspended in 400 ml. or low boiling petroleum ether, 212 g. of the hexadienol were added and the mixture was allowed to react at room temperature for 4 hours. After filtration, drying with sodium sulfate and evaporating oil the solvent there were obtained 180 g. of 4-methyl-4-tetrahydropyranyloxy-2,S-hexadien-I-al; n =1.4820; absorption maximum at 220 m E =670 (in ethanol). g. of the hexadienal, 500 ml. of absolute benzene and 170 g. of (tt-carbomethoxy-ethylidene)- triphenyl-phosphorane were heated for 5 hours with reflux. The solvent was eliminated in vacuo and the residue dissolved in 500 ml. of methanol. Then, there were added ml. of water and 1000 ml. of petroleum ether (boiling range 4050) and the mixture was agitated. The aqueous methanolic layer was separated, the ether layer was washed consecutively with methanol and with water, dried with sodium sulfate and petroleum ether evaporated. The product was a yellowish oil (11 =1.5l70), which was stirred in 430 m1. of ethanol. The temperature was kept under 5 and 250 ml. of 62% hydrobromic acid were added. After stirring for two hours at 05, the mixture was poured on 1000 ml. of ice water. The product was extracted with 500 ml. of petroleum ether, the extract Washed with water to neutral reaction, dried with calcium chloride and the solvent evaporated in vacuo at 20-25". The product obtained g.) was 3-methyl-7-carbomethoxy-2,4,6-octatrien-lyl bromide; n =1.5430; absorption maximum at 300 my; E =950 (in petroleum ether). This product was dissolved in 600 ml. of benzene. 120 g. of triphenyl phosphine were added and the mixture was agitated until dissolution was complete. On storing overnight the product crystallizes. The crystals are collected by filtration under suction, washed with benzene and then with petroleum ether (boiling range 4-0-50"). After drying in vacuo at 50 there were obtained 138 g. of 7-carbomethoxy 3 methyl 2,4,6 octatrien 1 yl triphenylphosphonium bromide.

10 g. of 7-carbomethoxy-3-methyl-2,4,6-octatrien-1yltriphenyl-phosphonium bromide in 100 ml. of dry methylene chloride were treated first with 9 ml. of a 2 N solution of sodium methylate in methanol, then with 4 g. of 2,6,11,15 tetramethyl l7 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,-6,l0,12,14,16 heptadecaheptaen 8- yn-l-al in 50 ml. of methylene chloride and worked up according to the procedure of Example 3. The product, 2,6,10,14,19,23 hexamethyl 25 (2,6,6 trimethyl lcyclohexen l yl) 2,4,6,8,l0,12,14,18,20,22,24 pentacosaundecaen-16-yn-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was identical with the compound obtained in Example 8.

Example 13 10 g. of 5-carbomethoxy-3-methyl-2,4-pentadien-l-yltriphenyl-phosphonium bromide in 100 ml. of dry methylene chloride were treated first with 10 m1. of a 2 N solution of sodium Inethylate in methanol, then with 2 g. of all-trans-2,6,l1,15 tetramethyl 17 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16 heptadecaoctaen-l-al in 40 ml. of methylene chloride and worked up according to the procedure of Example 3. The product obtained, all-trans-4,8,12,17,21-pentamethyl- 23 (2,6,6 trimethyl 1 cyclohexen 1 yl) 2,4,6,8, 10,12,14,16,18,20,22 trieosaundecaen 1 carboxylic acid methyl ester, was identical with the product obtained in Example 7.

Example 14 4.5 g. of 7-carbomethoxy-3-rnethyl-2,4,6-ootatrien-l-yltriphenyl-phosphonium bromide in 50 ml. of dry methylene chloride was treated first with 4 ml. of a 2 N solution of sodium methylate in methanol and then with 2 g. of all-trans-2,6,11,15-tetramethyl '17 (2,6,6-trimethyl-1- cyclohexen-l-yl)-2,4,6,8,10,:12,14,16 heptadecaoctaen-lal in 30 ml. of methylene chloride and worked up accordto the procedure of Example 3. The product obtained all-trans-2,6,l0,l4,19,23-hexamethyl-25-(2,6,6 trimethyll-cyclohexen-l-yl)-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20,22,24 pentacosadodecaen-l-carboxylic acid methyl ester, was identical with the product of Example 8.

xample 15 7-carbethoxy-3-methyl-2,4,6-octatrien 1 yl triphenylphosphonium bromide was prepared according to the method given at the beginning of Example 12 but using 172 g. of (a carbethoxyethylidene) .triphenyl phosp-horane instead of g. of (e-carbomethoxyethylidene)- triphenyl-phosphorane 10 g. of 7-carbethoxy-3-methyl-2,4,6-oetatrien-l-yl-triphenyl-phosphonium bromide in 100 ml. of dry methylene chloride were treated first with 9 ml. of a 2 N solution of sodium methylate in methanol, then with 6 g. of 2,7,11- trirnethyl-l3 (2,6,6-trimethyl-l-cyclohexen l yl)-2,6,8, 10,12-tridecapentaen-4-yn-1-al in 50 ml. of methylene chloride and worked up according to the procedure of Example 3. The product, 2,6,10,15,19-pentamethyl-21- (2,6,6-ttrirnelthyl 1 cyclohexen-l-yl)-2,4, 6,8,10,14,16, 18,20-he11eic0san0naen 12 yn l carboxylic acid ethyl ester, melted at 165166; absorption maxima at 450 and 478 111 1; E =2275 and 1695.

We claim:

1. 7-carbo lower a1koxy-3-methyl-2,4,6-octatrien-l-ylidenetriphenylphosphorane.

2. 7-carbomethoXy-3-m1tiyl- 2,4,6 octatrien 1 ylidenetriphenylphosphorane.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Wittig et a1. Mar. 7, 1957 OTHER REFERENCES Wittig et a1.: Ber. Deut. Chem., volume 88, 1654-66 (1955).

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,113,961 December 10, 1963 Waldemar Guex et a1 It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 6, line 17, for "-1160" read -ll6 line 42, for "0.2 ml read 0.3 ml. column 7, line 24, for "triphenylacarbomethoxymethy1-" read triphenylcarbomethoxymethylline 64, for "'nonadecanonaeen-" read nonadecanonaencolumn 8, line 21 for "-165 read l63 line 56, for "70 m1. read 700 m1. line 57, for "'pitassium" read potassium column 10, line 9, for "m read mu line 3O for "af ten" read after column 11, line 12, for 'yl" read ynline l5 for "'yl" read -y1) line 62, for "400 ml. read Signed and sealed this 2nd day of June 1964.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. 7-CARBO-LOWER ALKOXY-3-METHYL-2,4,6-OCTATRIEN-1-YLIDENETRIPHENYLPHOSPHORANE. 